Stratford Man - Allegedly High On PCP - Assaults Elderly Man, Store Clerk In Westport: Cops

WESTPORT, CT — A Stratford man, who police said was high on PCP, allegedly assaulted an elderly man and a gas station store clerk early Sunday during an argument over a buying a loose cigarette, according to Westport police.

Allens Verdier, 25, was charged with:

• Possession of a Hallucinogen
• Assault, 3rd degree
• Assault, 3rd degree, on an Elderly Person
• Interfering with a 911 call (2 counts)
• Breach of Peace, 2nd degree

The incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. at the Exxon gas station at 1510 Post Road East when officers were dispatched to the scene on a report of a 911 hangup call.

"Westport Officer David Perez located a Allens Verdier in the store and immediately took him into custody," wrote police in a statement. "Officers learned that Verdier came into the store demanding to buy a single cigarette. When the clerk advised Verdier that they do not sell single cigarettes, Verdier went behind the counter and began assaulting the clerk.

"Verdier then assaulted an elderly male in the store who was attempting to call 911. Verider appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. A brown leafy substance was located on Verdier which tested positive for PCP."

Police transported Verdier to Norwalk Hospital for evaluation. He was held in lieu of a $15,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 29.

Photo: Allens Verdier. Photo credit: Westport Police Department